Data collecting head guard systems and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

A head guard is provided. The head guard includes one or more sensors as part of an sensory input and communications system. The head guard wirelessly communicates data to remote computing devices for intelligent data collection.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/876,393, filed onMay 18, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/240,892, filedon Jan. 7, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/693,542,filed on Sep. 1, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.15/097,942, filed on Apr. 13, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/147,309, filed on Apr. 14,2015, the disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The systems and methods described below relate generally to the field ofhead protection. More particularly, the systems and methods relate tohead guards that can be worn during sporting, or athletic, or otherphysical endeavors that can electronically collect input data from oneor more onboard sensors and communicate the data to one or morerecipient computing devices.

BACKGROUND

When an individual participates in contact sports activities such asfootball, lacrosse, hockey, soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball andthe like, or other physical activities, such as skiing, skateboarding,and the like, it is common that parts of the individual's body aresubject to impact and other physical contact. Various attempts have beenmade to provide padding as a means of protecting the individual duringsuch activities. Conventional protective equipment can include, asnonlimiting examples, helmets, shoulder pads, thigh pads, and shin pads.Typical protective equipment may include reinforced-sponge type padding,such as a rubber sponge layer laminated with a stiff plastic layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detaileddescription of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with thefollowing figures:

FIGS. 1-3 show example head guards used in combination with examplehelmets.

FIGS. 4-16C are perspective views of example head guards.

FIG. 17A shows a side view of an example head guard.

FIG. 17B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 17B-17B of FIG.17A.

FIG. 17C is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 17B.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of an example head guard.

FIG. 18B shows a side view of the head guard of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 18C-18C of FIG.18B.

FIGS. 19-21 show example arrangements of padding within example headguards.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of a head guard in accordance withone non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of a head guard in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 24 depicts the head guard of FIG. 23 being positioned on the headof a wearer and stretching from a relaxed configuration to an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of a head guard in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment.

FIGS. 26A-27B show example baseball hats that incorporate a head guard.

FIG. 28-29 show example having a non-stick external surface.

FIGS. 30-34A show example winter hats that incorporate a head guard.

FIG. 34B shows a cross-sectional view of the winter hat of FIG. 34A.

FIG. 35 shows an example hooded apparel that incorporates a head guard.

FIGS. 36-37 show examples hoods that incorporate a head guard.

FIG. 38 shows a head guard for placement on the outside of an examplehelmet.

FIG. 39 shows an example head guard positioned on an example helmet.

FIG. 40 shows another example head guard positioned on an examplehelmet.

FIG. 41 shows a cross-sectional view of a head guard in accordance withone non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 42 is an exploded view of a head guard in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 43 depicts the head guard FIG. 42 fully assembled.

FIG. 44A shows a side view of an example head guard that includessensors in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 44B shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 44A taken alone line44B-44B.

FIGS. 44C-44F each depict an enlarged section of FIG. 44B.

FIG. 45 depicts an example system diagram comprising a head guard incommunication with a mobile communication device via one or morecommunications networks in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 46 depicts an example user interface that can be provided on adisplay of the mobile communications device depicted in FIG. 45 .

FIG. 47 depicts another system diagram of an example activity monitoringcomputing system in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 48 schematically depicts a first head guard and a second head guardimpacting during an athletic endeavor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now bedescribed to provide an overall understanding of the principles of thestructure, function, and use of head guards having onboard sensors andcomponentry for data collection and transmission disclosed herein. Oneor more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that systems and methods specifically described herein andillustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments.The features illustrated or described in connection with onenon-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of othernon-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intendedto be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

The presently disclosed embodiments are generally directed to headguard, head guard systems, methods of using a head guard, and methods ofmanufacturing head guards. Head guards in accordance with the presentdisclosure can have one or more onboard data collection devices(referred to herein as sensors) that can collect, sense, record, orotherwise gather various information, events, environmental data, and/oroperational data. Such systems and methods may be implemented in a widevariety of contexts and applications. In one example embodiment, thehead guard is compressive so that it can be retained on a user's headwithout the use of a securing strap, such as a chinstrap. The headguards can be constructed with one or more layers, sections, or pocketsof impact absorbing or impact dissipating materials, referred togenerally herein as padding. The particular type of padding can varybased on a variety of factors, such as style of head guard, sporting orathletic application, type of user, size of head guard, and so forth. Asdescribed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the head guard canhave three layers, including an inner layer, a middle layer, and anouter layer. The middle layer can comprise the padding. Otherembodiments of head guards can have more than three layers or less thanthree layers. The head guard can comprise, for example, one or morethermal layers or at least portions of thermal protection (e.g., aroundthe ears). Such embodiments can be useful for wearers participating incold-weather endeavors. In some example embodiments, the head guard canbe washable without necessarily removing the padding layer from the headguard. The head guard can also have breathable characteristics, waterrepellent characteristics, sweat wicking characteristics, or othercomfort related characteristics, such as vents. The head guard can havewater resistant or water repellant qualities. In some embodiments, thehead guard can include an anti-bacterial agent, anti-microbial agent,anti-odor agent, or other deodorizing or sanitizing compounds. In someembodiments, the head guard is configured to provide protection againstultraviolet rays using any suitable techniques, such as chemicaltreatments, construction techniques, materials, and so forth. Asdescribed in more detail below, the head guard can be sized for a childwearer or an adult wearer. One or more sensors can be integrated intothe head guard. In some embodiments, various sensors can be permanentlyaffixed or otherwise embedded to a head guard. In other embodiments,various sensors (or portions thereof) are removable. In someembodiments, various sensors are interchangeable or swappable. The oneor more sensors of a head guard can communicate with an onboardmicrocontroller through any suitable communications network onboard thehead guard.

In some embodiments, textile integrated sensors, sometimes referred toas bio sensing fabrics, can be utilized. Generally, textile integratedsensors can measure a large variety of variables, e.g. physicaldimensions like pressure, stress and strain applied to the textile orbiomedical dimensions such as heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG), sweatrate and sweat composition (salts, pH), respiration rate of a wearer ofthe head guard. In some embodiments, sensor(s), electrode(s) andconnections can be fully integrated in the fabric of the head guard andproduced by combining conductive and non-conductive yarns.

In some embodiments, a head guard can include various types ofcommunication capabilities, such as wireless communication abilities. Insome embodiments, a head guard can communicate on a personal areanetwork (PAN) such as using a BLUETOOTH protocol, or other suitable nearfield communication (NFC) protocols, to a linked electronic device.Using this communication functionally, a head guard can provideinformation gathered by one or more of the sensors to a linkedelectronic device. Such information can be provided in real-time,substantially real-time, in batch format, or other suitable periods ortimetables. Various types of electronic devices can be linked, such asmobile phones, tablets, laptop computers, desktop computers, wearables,and the like. In some embodiments, as described in more detail below,the linked electronic device can executed a specialized application thatis configured to collect data and provide various visualizations,alerts, information, data, and/or other analytics to a user based ondata received from an associated head guard. In some embodiments, one ormore of the linked electronic devices can also be in communication witha centralized activity monitoring computing system (such as acloud-based service) that can collect and aggregate data from aplurality of head guards.

In some embodiments, as described in more detail below, the head guardmay be worn underneath a wide variety of helmets, such as footballhelmets, batting helmets, bicycle helmets, and so forth. In someembodiments, the head guard may be incorporated into, formed with, orotherwise coupled to various head coverings, such as a baseball hat, awinter hat, a hood on a sweatshirt or jacket, or other styles of hat. Insome embodiments, the head guard can be incorporated into apparel (hats,hoods, and so forth) in a discrete fashion, such that it is notnecessarily apparent from an observer that the apparel includes the headguard. In some embodiments, a head guard can be the only piece ofprotective gear on the wearer's head. As described in more detail below,the head guard can be configured to cover various parts of the wearer'shead, such as the crown, or be of a headband configuration thatsurrounds the wearer's head.

In some embodiments, as described in more detail below, the head guardmay be worn over top of a wide variety of helmets, such as footballhelmets, batting helmets, skateboarding helmets, snowboarding helmets,and so forth.

As is to be appreciated, the head guard described herein can be sized toaccommodate different ages of users. In one example embodiment, achild's “one size fits all” head guard is sized to fit children and anadult's “one size fits all” head guard is sized to fit adults. Asdescribed in more detail below, elastic components incorporated into thehead guard can aid in maintaining the head guard on a user's head whilealso allowing the head guard to accommodate different sized heads. Insome embodiments, head guards can be manufactured in different sizes(small, medium, large, x-large, and so forth). In some embodiments, thehead guard may be selectively adjustable to accommodate different headsizes.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one exampleembodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,”“some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment, or “in anembodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitablemanner in one or more embodiments.

Throughout this disclosure, references to components or modulesgenerally refer to items that logically can be grouped together toperform a function or group of related functions. Like referencenumerals are generally intended to refer to the same or similarcomponents. Components and modules can be implemented in software,hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The term “software”is used expansively to include not only executable code, for examplemachine-executable or machine-interpretable instructions, but also datastructures, data stores and computing instructions stored in anysuitable electronic format, including firmware, and embedded software.The terms “information” and “data” are used expansively and includes awide variety of electronic information, including executable code;content such as text, video data, and audio data, among others; andvarious codes or flags. The terms “information,” “data,” and “content”are sometimes used interchangeably when permitted by context. It shouldbe noted that although for clarity and to aid in understanding someexamples discussed herein might describe specific features or functionsas part of a specific component or module, or as occurring at a specificlayer of a computing device (for example, a hardware layer, operatingsystem layer, or application layer), those features or functions may beimplemented as part of a different component or module or operated at adifferent layer of a communication protocol stack. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the systems, apparatuses, devices,and methods described herein can be applied to, or easily modified foruse with, other types of equipment, can use other arrangements ofcomputing systems such as client-server distributed systems, and can useother protocols, or operate at other layers in communication protocolstacks, than are described.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 , example embodiments of the presentdisclosure show head guards are used in combination with various examplehelmets. Each of the head guards schematically depicts a sensory inputand communications system 198. The sensory input and communicationssystem 198 can include any suitable number of sensors, each sensor beingof any suitable type. As used herein, the term sensor is to broadlyinclude any component or device configured to provide a particularoutput based on an input. In this regard, example sensors can include,without limitation accelerometers (for speed, linear impact), movementsensors, superconducting quantum interference device (“SQUID”) sensors,magnetometers (for rotational impact), gyroscope (for angular velocity),temperature sensors (for ambient and/or body temperature), acousticsensors, chemical sensors, density sensors, positional sensors, fluidsensors, proximity sensors, humidity sensors, vibration sensors,radiation sensors, navigation sensors, barometric sensors, image sensor(e.g., video image, static image, brain imaging, etc.). The output(s)can be provided to a microcontroller of the sensory input andcommunications system 198. The sensory input and communications system198 can also include various wireless communication componentry totransmit various data to a receiving computing unit. Additional detailregarding example sensory input and communications system is discussedbelow with regard to FIGS. 42-47

Referring first to FIG. 1 , a head guard 100 is positionable upon a head102 of a user. As described in more detail below, the head guard 100 caninclude a plurality of layers which includes a padding layer. The headguard 100 can be generally compressive such that its position on thehead 102 can be maintained without the use of chin strap. Otherembodiments, however, can use additional fastening features. The headguard 100 in FIG. 1 comprises an elastic member 106 which aids insecuring the head guard 100 to the head 102. The elastic member 106 mayencircle the entire head guard (as shown) or may be limited to certainportions of the head guard, such as the front and/or rear. The elasticmember 106 can comprise, for example, an elastic band or cord positionedin a hem. Subsequent to placing the head guard 100 on the head 102, ahelmet 104 can be placed onto the head 102 and over top of the headguard 100. The head guard 100 can be relatively thin as compared to thehelmet 104 such that the head guard 100 does not interfere with theusability and comfort offered by the helmet 104. As illustrated, helmet104 is a football helmet. It is noted that the present disclosure is notlimited to football helmets. Instead, a wide array of different helmetscan be used in in combination with the head guard 100, such as helmetsworn by pilots, firemen, construction workers, or by any other personwearing any type of helmet or head protection. FIG. 2 , for example,illustrates a motocross helmet 124 for a head 122 of a user. A headguard 120 can be positioned over the head 122 and under the motocrosshelmet 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the head guard 120 comprisesa neck panel 126. As is to be appreciated, any suitable configuration ofhead guard can be used with any suitable helmet. Similar to the headguard 100, the head guard 120 also comprises an elastic member 126 whichgenerally aids in retaining the head guard 120 on the head 122 of theuser. In some embodiments, drawstrings, buckles, or other tighteningfeatures may be used.

As is to be appreciated, the particular configuration of the head guardcan be based on, for example, the type of helmet to be worn with thehead guard and/or the type of activity to be performed while wearing thehead guard. FIG. 3 , for example, illustrates an example head guard 130for use with a bicycle helmet 134. The head guard 130 can be placed on ahead 132 of the user prior to securing the bicycle helmet 134 to thehead 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressive nature of thehead guard 130 generally maintains the placement of the head guard 130on the head 132 without the use of an additional elastic feature. Whilea football helmet, motocross helmet, and bicycle helmet are illustratedin FIGS. 1-3 , the present disclosure is not limited to these particularapplication types. Instead, the head guards described herein can be usedin combination with any suitable helmet type or form of head protection.

FIGS. 4-16 illustrate non-limiting examples of head guardconfigurations. As is to be appreciated, features of head guards of someembodiments can be incorporated into the head guards of otherembodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Each ofthe head guards in FIGS. 4-16 is schematically shown to include asensory input and communications system 298. Head guard 200 in FIG. 4 ,for example, is comprised of a circumferential panel 202, sometimesreferred to as a sidewall, and a plurality of top panels 204. The toppanels 204 can be generally triangular such that, when they are coupledto each other, they generally form a disc. As described in more detailbelow, various types of padding can be incorporated into one or more ofcircumferential panel 202 and one, more than one, or none of the toppanels 204. While FIG. 4 shows an elastic member 206 coupled to thecircumferential panel 202, other embodiments may use other types ofretention features. For example, elastic characteristics of thecircumferential panel 202 may be used to maintain the head guard 200 onthe head of a user. As with other head guards described herein, the sizeof the head guard 200 can be designed such that it is appropriate forthe particular type of user (child, teenage, adult, and so forth).

Head guard 220 illustrated in FIG. 5 shows an embodiment that does notcover the top of a user's head. Instead, the top of the head guard 220is open (e.g., a band-like configuration). The head guard 220 can beused, for example, for non-contacting sports. For instance, it can beworn by a soccer player who may frequently use the top of their head tocontact the soccer ball. Other examples of non-contacting sports caninclude, without limitation, basketball, running, volleyball, or anyother sport or endeavor that does not necessarily utilize a rigidhelmet. While the head guard 220 is shown constructed of a plurality ofpanels 224, other constructions techniques may be utilized withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows yetanother embodiment of a head guard 240 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The head guard 240 shown in FIG. 6 includes a rear aperture242. A wearer of the head guard 240 that has a pony tail can pull thepony tail through the rear aperture 242. The aperture 242 can have anysuitable dimension or configuration. In one embodiment, the aperture 242has a diameter in the range of about 1″ to about 3″. While the aperture242 is illustrated as being circular, it is to be appreciated that anysuitable shape can be used, such as rectangular, oblong, triangular, andso forth. Referring now to FIG. 7 , a head guard 260 is shown havingtemple guards 262. The head guard 260 also has a tightening feature 264.In the illustrated embodiment, the tightening feature 264 is a strap 266that is fixed to the head guard at a fixed end and comprises ahook-and-loop fastener assembly 268 at the other end. A user canselectively attach and detach the hook-and-loop fastener assembly 268 toselect an appropriate fit for the head guard 260. FIG. 8 shows yetanother embodiment of a head guard 270 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The head guard 270 shown in FIG. 8 includes a rear aperture272. A wearer of the head guard 270 that has a pony tail can pull thepony tail through the rear aperture 242. The aperture 272 shown in FIG.8 is a slot or slit in a vertical orientation. In other embodiments, theaperture 272 can be a slot or slit in a horizontal orientation, anoblique orientation, or a plurality of slots or slits arranged in asuitable formation, for example.

The head guard 210 shown in FIG. 9 comprises a sidewall 212 and a toppanel 214. The sidewall 212 can be a multi-layered sidewall comprisingat least one fabric layer and at least one padding layer, as describedin more detail below. The top panel 214 can also comprises at least onefabric layer and at least padding layer. In the illustrated embodiment,the top panel 214 is attached to the sidewall 212 using stitching 216,although any suitable attachment technique can be used, such as agluing, heat welding, and so forth. The head guard 210 also comprises anelastic portion 218 that is positioned proximate to an opening definedby the sidewall 212. The head guard 210 can be in a generallycylindrical shape when in a relaxed configuration (as shown). When thehead guard 210 is placed on the head of a wearer, however, the top panel214 and the sidewall 212 can stretch to generally conform to the shapeof the wearer's head. Accordingly, the head guard 210 can stretch to aconvex-shaped configuration, which may be referred to as hemispherical,when being worn by a user. In its stretched configuration, the headguard 210 delivers a compressive force to the wearer's head in order tosubstantially maintain the position of the head guard 210 relative tothe wearer's head.

FIG. 10 illustrates a head guard 230 that defines an aperture 235. Aswith other embodiments, the aperture 235 is not limited to anyparticular configuration. In fact, a wide variety of apertureconfigurations can be utilized, such as a horizontal slit, a verticalslit, a vertically-oriented oblong opening, a horizontally-orientedoblong opening, a circular opening, or a rectangular opening, forexample. The head guard 230 comprises a sidewall 232 and a top panel234, each with an internal padding layer 236, 238. The padding layer 236of the sidewall 232 extends circumferentially about the head guard witha gap that is aligned with the aperture 235. FIG. 11 illustrates a headguard 250 that comprises a sidewall 252 and a top panel 254. Similar toother embodiments, at least one of the sidewall 252 and the top panel254 can comprise a padding layer. In this embodiment an aperture 255 isdefined by the sidewall 252 and the top panel 254. Such configuration ofthe aperture 255 may be desirable, for example, to a wearer havingdreadlocks. When the head guard 250 is placed on that wearer's head, thedreadlocks can be routed through the aperture 255.

FIG. 12 illustrates a head guard 280 having a band-like configuration,as it does not include a top panel. A sidewall 282 comprises a paddinglayer 286 that extends circumferentially about the head guard 280 and anelastic portion 284 positioned proximate to an opening defined by thesidewall 282. The head guard 280 defines an aperture 285. Asillustrated, the padding layer 286 is configured to have a gap whichaligns with the aperture 285. While the head guard 280 in FIG. 12 hasone elastic portion 284, other embodiments can utilize additionalelastic portions, as illustrated by the head guard 290 in FIG. 13 , forexample. The head guard 290 has a band-like configuration, with a topopening and a bottom opening defined by a sidewall 292. A first elasticportion 294 is positioned proximate to the top opening and a secondelastic portion 296 is positioned proximate to the bottom opening. Headguards having a band-like configuration can be worn by a user, forexample, participating in a non-contact sport or other type ofnon-contact physical endeavor.

In some embodiments, additional components can be incorporated into thehead guard. The head guard 213 illustrated in FIG. 14 , for example,includes a brim 215 that is attached to a sidewall 217. While the headguard 213 is shown with a top panel 219, other band-like embodiments canalso include a brim 215. Further, the brim can be in any suitablearrangement, such as a generally rigid visor having a cardboard core ora relatively soft visor, such as a lip comprised of fabric, or any othersuitable type of bill.

FIG. 15 illustrates yet another example embodiment of a head guard 233.The head guard 233 comprises a side wall 237 which can include a paddinglayer and a top panel 239. In the illustrated embodiment, the top panel239 comprises a mesh portion to provide added airflow and ventilation toa wearer's head. Some embodiments incorporating a mesh top panel 239utilize a top padding layer, while others do not. Additionally, oralternatively, the sidewall 237 can be mesh, or at least comprise one ormore portions that are mesh or otherwise provide air flow to the wear.

The particular orientation, location, and/or placement of the paddinglayer can vary. In some embodiments, for example, the padding layer ispositioned within a pocket defined by two fabric layers. In otherembodiments, the padding layer can be exposed, either internally orexternally. FIG. 16A-16C illustrate example configurations of a headguard 281 that includes an external side padding layer 283 and anexternal top padding layer 288. The side padding layer 283 is attachedto a side panel 287 to collectively define a sidewall and the toppadding layer 288 is coupled to a top layer 289 to collectively define atop panel. FIG. 16A illustrates that the side padding payer 283 and thetop padding layer 288 can be of unitary construction. FIG. 16Billustrates that the side padding payer 283 and the top padding layer288 can be a collection of individual modules or pods that are attachedto the top layer 289 and the side panel 287. FIG. 16C illustrates thatthe side padding payer 283 and the top padding layer 288 can bestitched, or otherwise molded or shaped to form a pattern. As is to beappreciated, any suitable technique can be used to couple the paddinglayers to the head guard 281, such as using stitching or usingadhesives, such as glue, for example.

It is noted that while various head guards are illustrated having anelastic member around the lower periphery, such elastic members are notnecessary for some configurations. Instead, the head guard can havecompressive qualities or characteristics that maintain the head guard onthe wearer's head. In other words, some or all of the head guard can bemanufactured from stretchable materials that allow the head guard tostretch when placed on the head of a user and contract when removed fromthe head of a user. In some embodiments, the head guard can have one ormore elastic members or portions and can also be stretchable.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17C, a head guard 300 in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment is shown. FIG. 17A shows a side view of the headguard 300 which has an elastic member 302 positioned around its lowerperiphery. The elastic member 302 can be an elastic band positionedinside a hem, for example. In some embodiments, an elastic member can befed through hoops or other retention members. FIG. 17B shows across-sectional view of the head guard 300 taken along line 17B-17B ofFIG. 17A. FIG. 17C shows an enlarged view of the encircled area of FIG.17B and illustrates various layers of the head guard 300. As shown inFIGS. 17A-17C the head guard 300 of the illustrated embodiment comprisesan outer layer 320, a padding layer 340, and an inner layer 360. In someembodiments, the head guard may be constructed with only an outer layerand padding layer, while in other embodiments the head guard may beconstructed with only a padding layer and inner layer.

The head guard 300, or other head guards described herein, can define aninternal diameter “D” (FIG. 17B), which can be selected to accommodate aparticular type of user, such as a child, an adult, a person with a lotof hair, a person with short hair, and so forth. Thus, in certainembodiments, the head guard 300 can be manufactured to accommodate achild's head. In other embodiments, the head guard 300 can bemanufactured to accommodate an adult's head. In other embodiments, thehead guard 300 can be configured to accommodate both smaller-sized headsand larger-sized heads. In some embodiments, the value of “D” for adulthead guards can be based on Table 1, below, and the value of “D” forchild head guards can be based on Table 2, below.

TABLE 1 Adult Head Guard Example Sizes Stretch Fit/ Diameter “D” SizeAdjustable 6¾ Small (S) 6⅞ 7 Medium (M) One Size Fits 7⅛ Most 7¼ Large(L) 7⅜ 7½ XL 7⅝ 7¾ XXL 7⅞ 8

TABLE 2 Child Head Guard Example Sizes Diameter Stretch “D” Size FittedKids 6 XSM Infant 6⅛ S Toddler 6¼ S/M 6⅜ M Child 6½ 6⅝ L L/X Youth 6¾ 6⅞XL 7

The padding layer utilized by head guards in accordance with the presentdisclosure can be comprised of any suitable material that provides thedesirable characteristics and response to impact. For example, thepadding layer can comprise one or more of the following materials:thermoplastic polyurethane (available, for example, from SkydexTechnologies), military-grade materials, impact absorbing silicone, D30®impact absorbing material, impact gel, wovens, non-wovens, cotton,elastomers, IMPAXX® energy-absorbing foam (available from DowAutomotive), DEFLEXION shock absorbing material (available from DowCorning), Styrofoam, polymer gels, general shock absorbing elastometers,visco-elastic polymers, PORON® XRD impact protection (available fromRogers Corporation), Sorbothane® (available from Sorbothane Inc.),Neoprene (available from DuPont), Ethyl Vinyl Acetate, impact-dispersinggels, foams, rubbers, and so forth. The padding layer can be breathableand/or generally porous to provide ventilation. In some embodiments, thepadding layer is a mesh material that aids in the breathability of theassociated head guard. The padding layer can be attached to one or morelayers (such as the outer layer 320 and the inner layer 360 of FIG. 17C,for example). In some embodiments, the padding layer 340 can begenerally disconnected and “floating” between the layers. In someembodiments, the padding layer is attached to an elastic member or otherportions of the head guard.

In some embodiments, padding layers in accordance with the presentsystems and methods can comprise a rate dependent material, such as arate dependent low density foam material. Examples of suitable lowdensity foams include polyester and polyether polyurethane foams. Insome embodiments, such foams to have a density ranging from about 5 toabout 35 pounds per cubic foot (pcf), more particularly from about 10 toabout 30 pcf, and more particularly still from about 15 to about 25 pcf.PORON® and PORON XRD® are available from Rogers Corporation, which areopen cell, microcellular polyurethane foams, is an example of onesuitable rate dependent foam. However, in order to provide impactresistance, the padding layer can be any suitable energy absorbing orrate dependent materials. As such, other rate dependent foams or othertypes of materials can be used without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The other layers of head guards in accordance with the presentdisclosure can either be the same material or different material. Thematerial can be, for example, and without limitation, polyester, nylon,spandex, ELASTENE (available from Dow Chemical), cotton, materials thatglow in the dark or are fluorescent, and so forth. Either of the inneror outer layers can also be of a mesh or otherwise porous material. Insome embodiments, the inner and/or outer layers can be a blend of avariety of materials, such as a spandex/polyester blend. In someembodiments, the head guard is water proof, water resistant, or waterrepellant. Other durable materials can be used for the outer layer ofany embodiment, including knit, woven and nonwoven fabrics, leather,vinyl or any other suitable material. In some instances, it can bedesirable to use materials for the layer than are somewhat elastic;therefore, stretchable fabrics, such as spandex fabrics, can bedesirable. Such materials can help provide compressive forces tomaintain placement of head guard on a wearer's head without the need fora chin strap, for example.

Various head guards in accordance with the systems and methods describedherein can be manufactured with or otherwise include various coatings,agents, or treatments to provide anti-microbial or anti-bacterialproperties. Some embodiments, for example, can utilize Microban® offeredby Microban International, Ltd. for antibacterial protection. In someembodiments, the padding layer comprises antimicrobial agents and one ormore other fabric layers of the head guard also treated withantimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial protection for the fabric layers canbe in the form of a chemical coating applied to the fabric, for example.Generally, antimicrobial technologies combat odor by fighting bacteriaresulting in fresher smell for longer and minimizing the frequency oflaundering or washing. Any suitable technique can be used to providehead guards with antimicrobial properties. In one embodiment, forexample, AEGIS Microbe Shield® offered by DOW Corning Corp. is utilized.Other examples of antimicrobial agents include SILVADUR® offered by TheDow Chemical Company is utilized, Smart Silver offered by NanoHorizons,Inc., and HealthGuard® Premium Protection offered by HealthGuard.

In some embodiments, a head guard, or at least various components of ahead guard are configured to provide moisture wicking properties.Generally, moisture wicking translates into sweat management, whichworks by removing perspiration from the skin in an attempt to cool thewearer. Any suitable moisture wicking can be used. In one embodiment, atopical application of a moisture wicking treatment to a fabric of thehead guard is utilized. The topical treatment is applied to give thehead guard the ability to absorb sweat. The hydrophilic(water-absorbing) finish or treatment generally allows the head guard toabsorb residue, while the hydrophobic (water-repellent) fibers of thehead guard help it to dry fast, keeping the wearer more comfortable. Inone embodiment, the blend of fiber is used to deliver moisture wickingproperties by combining a blend of both hydrophobic (such as polyester)with hydrophilic fibers. Certain blends of these fibers allow thehydrophilic fibers to absorb fluid, moving it over a large surface area,while the hydrophobic fibers speed drying time. One benefit of headguards utilizing these types of fiber blends is that moisture managementproperties are inherent in the fiber blend, meaning they will never washor wear out.

FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate a head guard 400 in accordance with variousnon-limiting embodiments. FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the headguard 400, which comprises a plurality of panels 402. The panels 402 canbe arranged such that the head guard 400 is generally a convex shape.FIG. 18B is a side view of the head guard 400 and FIG. 18C is across-sectional view of the head guard 400 of FIG. 18B taken along line18C-18C. As shown in FIG. 18C, each panel 402 may include an innerpocket. Padding 420 can be positioned within the inner pocket of eachpanel 402. In some embodiments, padding 420 can semi-rigid (such asStyrofoam), while other embodiments can utilize flexible or generallypliable padding 420.

The arrangement or placement of the padding within the head guard canvary. FIGS. 19-21 illustrate non-limiting embodiments of head guardshaving a variety of padding orientations. The head guard 500 shown inFIG. 19 , for example, shows a padding layer 502 that is generallyconvex-shaped. The head guard 520 shown in FIG. 20 shows a first padding522 positioned at a first position and a second padding 524 positionedat a second position. The head guard 540 shown in FIG. 21 shows aplurality of different padding layer types arranged at various positionson the head guard 540. As illustrated, a first padding is positioned atfirst padding layer 542 and a second padding is positioned at secondpadding layer 548. A third padding is positioned at third padding layer546. The third padding layer 546 can be, for example, a different typeof padding material than the padding material of the first and secondpadding layers 542, 548. The first and second padding layers 542, 548can be a semi-rigid padding (such as Styrofoam) while the third paddinglayer 546 is can be a pliable or semi-pliable layer. In someembodiments, the placement or configuration of the padding can depend onthe type of helmet a user may wear in combination with the head guard.The padding layers 502, 522, 542, 546, and 548 can be any suitable typeof material, such as, without limitation, one or more of the materialsdescribed above with reference to padding layer 340.

FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a head guard 600 inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment. The head guard 600comprises an outer layer 602, and inner layer 606, and a padding layer608. Each of the layers can be manufactured from a wide variety ofmaterials, as described above. The overall thickness (D1) of the headguard 600 can vary based on application. In some embodiments, forexample, D1 can be in the range of about 0.1″ to about 0.5″. In someembodiments, for example, D1 can be in the range of about 0.5″ to about1.0″. In some embodiments, for example, D1 can be larger than about1.0″. The thickness can be based on, for example, the type of helmetworn with the head guard (if any), the type of sport being played whilewearing the head guard, or characteristics of the wearer. While FIG. 22shows three layers, this disclosure is not so limited. As is to beappreciated, in some embodiments, head guards can have more or lesslayers. For example, various head guards may not utilize an inner layer.In any event, FIG. 22 shows the respective thicknesses of the outerlayer 602 (D2), the padding layer 608 (D3), and the inner layer 606(D4). In some embodiments, each of D2, D3, and D4 are generally equal.In some embodiments, D2 and D4 are generally equal while D3 differs. Insome embodiments, two of the layers have similar thickness while thethird layer differs. In some embodiments, all three layers havedifferent thicknesses. In any event, D2, D3, and D4 can each be anysuitable thickness. For example, the thickness of any layer can be lessthan about 0.01″, the thickness of any layer can be in the range ofabout 0.01″ to about 0.125″, or the thickness of any layer can be inrange of about 0.125″ to 0.5″. In some embodiments, the thickness of anylayer can be greater than 0.5″. Moreover, in some embodiments, thethickness of the padding layer is greater than about 30% of thethickness D1. In some embodiments, the thickness of the padding layer isgreater than about 50% of the thickness D1. In some embodiments, thethickness of the padding layer is greater than about 70% of thethickness D1. In some embodiments, the thickness of the padding layer isgreater than about 90% of the thickness D1. In some embodiments, thethickness of the padding layer is greater than about 99% of thethickness D1.

In some embodiments the padding layer 608 is disconnected from the outerlayer 602 and inner layer 606, such that it is generally “floating”between the two. In other embodiments the padding layer 608, or at leastportions thereof, is attached to one or both of the outer layer 602 andinner layer 606. Finally, it is noted that while FIG. 22 shows eachlayer having a generally uniform thickness, this disclosure is not solimited. In fact, the thickness of any particular layer may vary atdifferent locations of the head guard 600. For example, the thickness ofthe padding layer 608 may be thicker at a first location of the headguard 600 and thinner at a second location of the head guard 600.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a head guard 610 in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment. The head guard 610 has a longitudinal axis “L”and comprises a multi-layered top panel 632 and a multi-layered sidewall634. The multi-layered top panel 632 can be attached to themulti-layered sidewall 634 using suitable stitching techniques, forexample. The multi-layered top panel 632 comprises a top fabric layer612 and a bottom fabric layer 616. The multi-layered top panel 632 canbe generally flat-shaped with the head guard 610 is in a relaxedconfiguration. The multi-layered top panel 632 can be generallyconvex-shaped with the head guard 610 is in an expanded configuration.The top fabric layer 612 and the bottom fabric layer 616 can bemanufactured from a stretchable material, as described in more detailbelow. A padding layer 614 is positioned between the top fabric layer612 and the bottom fabric layer 616. In some embodiments, the surfacearea of the padding layer 614 is slightly smaller than the surface areaof the top fabric layer 612. Furthermore, the padding layer 614 can alsobe stretchable, though not necessarily as stretchable as the top fabriclayer 612 and the bottom fabric layer 616. The top fabric layer 612 andthe bottom fabric layer 616 can cooperate to define a pocket, with thepadding layer 614 positioned in the pocket.

In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-layered sidewall 634 comprisesan inner fabric layer 618, a padding layer 620, an outer fabric layer622, and an elastic member 624. The multi-layered sidewall 634 can begenerally cylindrical-shaped with the head guard 610 is in a relaxedconfiguration. The multi-layered sidewall 634 can be generallyfrustoconically-shaped with the head guard 610 is in an expandedconfiguration. The inner fabric layer 618 and the outer fabric layer 622can be manufactured from a stretchable material, as described in moredetail below. The inner fabric layer 618 can define an aperture 619having any suitable size, configuration, or arrangement. The outerfabric layer 622 can define an aperture 623 having any suitable size,configuration, or arrangement that generally aligns with the aperture619 when the head guard 610 is an assembled configuration. Furthermore,stitching or other attachment techniques can be used to join theperiphery of the aperture 619 with the periphery of the aperture 23 inthe assembled configuration. The side padding layer 620 is positionedbetween the inner fabric layer 618 and the outer fabric layer 622. Insome embodiments, the surface area of the padding layer 620 is slightlysmaller than the surface area of the outer fabric layer 622.Furthermore, the side padding layer 620 can also be stretchable, thoughnot necessarily as stretchable as the inner fabric layer 618 and theouter fabric layer 622. The inner fabric layer 618 and the outer fabriclayer 622 can cooperate to define a pocket, with the side padding layer620 positioned in the pocket. In some embodiments, the inner fabriclayer 618 and the outer fabric layer 622 are attached in an arrangementthat forms a plurality of pockets and a padding layer is positionedwithin each pocket such that a collection of individual padding modulesor pods generally forms the padding layer.

The side padding layer 620 can be the same or different material as thepadding layer 614. Further, these two layers can have the same ordifferent thicknesses. The side padding layer 620 can be any suitableshape or configuration. In the illustrated example, the side paddinglayer 620 has a top surface 621, a first end surface 630, a second endsurface 628, and a bottom surface (not shown). While the side paddinglayer 620 is illustrated as being generally rectangular andcircumferentially extending about the head guard 610, other embodimentscan utilize side padding layers 620 having different shapes. In anyevent, in the assembled configuration, the top surface 621 is positionedproximate to the multi-layered top panel 632. The first end surface 630and the second end surface 628 can be opposed and circumferentiallyspaced to define a gap 638. While the gap 638 is shown as beinggenerally rectangular, the gap 638 can have any suitable shape or size.In some embodiments, the gap 638 is positioned such that it generallyaligns with the aperture 619 defined by the inner layer 618 and theaperture 622 defined by the outer layer 622. In other embodiments, thefirst end surface 630 and the second end surface 628 are joined togetherto form a contiguous ring of padding. Moreover, in some embodiments, thepadding layer 620 can generally be a contiguous ring of padding thatalso defines an aperture therethrough. It is noted that as with otherhead guards illustrated herein, the head guard 610 shown in FIG. 23 ismerely an illustrative example embodiment. Thus, while the lowerperiphery of the head guard 610 is illustrated being flat, otherembodiments of head guards can have different shapes and configurationswithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example,some embodiments of the head guard 610 can include a lower peripheryhaving a wave-like configuration, such that the side and rear part ofthe multi-layered sidewall 634 extend further from the multi-layered toppanel 632 to cover a user's ears and wrap around the back of their head,as shown in FIGS. 28-29 , for example.

Headband-style head guards in accordance with the present disclosure canalso incorporate a sensory input and communications system 698. Thesensory input and communications system 698 can include any suitablenumber of sensors, each sensor being of any suitable type. Additionaldetail regarding example sensory input and communications system isdiscussed below with regard to FIGS. 42-47

FIG. 24 depicts the head guard 610 shown in FIG. 23 stretching from arelaxed configuration shown by the head guard 610A to an expandedconfiguration by the head guard 610C. As shown, head guard 610A ingenerally cylindrical in the relaxed configuration. As head guard isplaced on the head of a wearer, the multi-layered sidewall 634 begins toexpand, as shown by head guard 610B. As the head of the wearer isinserted further into the head guard, the head guard continues tostretch until it reaches an expand configuration, shown by head guard610C. As shown by head guard 610C, the multi-layered top panel 632changes from a flat shape to a convex shape when the head guard isplaced on wearer's head. Additionally, the multi-layered sidewall 634also changes shape in order to accommodate the wearer's head. As is tobe appreciated, due to the stretchability of the head guard 610, it canaccommodate a range of head sizes and shapes. When the head guard 610Cis removed from the wearer's head, it will return to the shapeillustrated by head guard 610A.

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a band-like head guard 650 in accordancewith one non-limiting embodiment. The head guard 650 has a longitudinalaxis “L” and comprises a multi-layered side panel 662. The multi-layeredsidewall 662 comprises an inner fabric layer 654, a padding layer 656,an outer fabric layer 658, and elastic members 652, 660. Themulti-layered sidewall 662 of the illustrated embodiment is generallyfrustoconically-shaped with the head guard 650 is in a relaxedconfiguration. As is to be appreciated, other embodiments can have othershapes in the relaxed configuration, such as cylindrical or toroidal,for example.

The inner fabric layer 654 and the outer fabric layer 658 can bemanufactured from a stretchable material, as described in more detailbelow. The padding layer 656 is positioned between the inner fabriclayer 654 and the outer fabric layer 658. In some embodiments, thesurface area of the padding layer 656 is slightly smaller than thesurface area of the outer fabric layer 658. Furthermore, the paddinglayer 656 can also be stretchable, though not necessarily as stretchableas the inner fabric layer 654 and the outer fabric layer 658. The innerfabric layer 654 and the outer fabric layer 622 can cooperate to definea pocket, with the padding layer 656 positioned in the pocket.

The padding layer 656 can be any suitable shape or configuration. In theillustrated example, the padding layer 656 has a top surface 664, afirst end surface 666, a second end surface (not shown), and a bottomsurface (not shown). In the assembled configuration, the top surface 664is positioned proximate to elastic member 652 and the bottom surface ispositioned proximate to the elastic member 660. The first end surface660 and the second end surface can be opposed and circumferentiallyspaced to define a gap 668. The gap 668 can have any suitable shape orsize. In some embodiments, the gap 668 is positioned such that it alignswith an aperture through the head guard. In other embodiments, the firstend surface 666 and the second end surface 628 are joined together toform a contiguous ring of padding.

In some embodiments, head guards in accordance with the presentdisclosure can be integrated, incorporated, coupled to, formed with, orotherwise associated with various forms of headwear. For example, headguards can be built into baseball hats, softball hats, winter hats,cowboy hats, or other types of headwear. FIGS. 26A, 26B, 27A, and 27Billustrate baseball hats with built-in head guards in accordance withexample embodiments, each of which also includes a sensory input andcommunications system 798. Referring first to FIGS. 26A and 26B, thebaseball hat 700 includes a padding layer 702 that is generallyconvex-shaped. While the baseball hat 700 depicted in FIG. 26B does notillustrate an interior fabric layer, some embodiments can include aninterior fabric layer. For example, the baseball hat 700 may beconstructed with three layers, as illustrated in FIG. 22 , for example.

The baseball hat 720 of FIGS. 27A-27B comprises a plurality of panels722 that are stitched together to form the hat. As illustrated, eachindividual panel 722 includes a padding layer 724. In some embodiments,each panel 722 forms an internal pocket that houses the padding layer724. While the baseball hat 720 depicted in FIG. 27B does not illustratean interior fabric layer, some embodiments can include an interiorfabric layer. In some embodiments, the padding layer is discretelyincorporated into the baseball hat. In other words, the baseball hat canhave the general appearance of a baseball hat that does not include apadding layer. The padding layers 702 and 724 can be any suitable typeof material, such as, without limitation, one or more of the materialsdescribed above with reference to padding layer 340. As is to beappreciated, a padding layer can be incorporated (discretely orotherwise) into other types of hats, such as, golf hats, visors, cowboyhats, police hats, fireman hats, military hats or head coverings, and soforth.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28-29 , in some embodiments, a head guard cancomprise a non-stick exterior surface. The head guard 740 shown in FIG.28 comprises a multi-layer top panel 743 that is attached to (orintegral with) a multi-layer lower panel 742. Each of the multi-layertop panel 743 and the multi-layer lower panel 742 can include a paddinglayer, as described above. Further, the multi-layer top panel 743 has anexterior surface 744 and the multi-layer lower panel 742 has an exteriorsurface 746. These exterior surfaces 744, 746 can come in direct contactwith the interior surface of a helmet, or other type of head gear, whenboth pieces of gear are worn by the user at the same time. Referring nowto FIG. 29 , a head guard 760 is shown that comprises a multi-layer toppanel 765 and a multi-layer side panel 763 that is attached to amulti-layer lower panel 762. Each of the multi-layer panels 762, 763,765 can include a padding layer as described above. Further, themulti-layer top panel 765 has an exterior surface 767, the multi-layerside panel 763 has an exterior surface 764 and the multi-layer lowerpanel 762 has an exterior surface 766. These exterior surfaces 764, 766,767 can come in direct contact with the interior surface of a rigidhelmet when both pieces of gear are worn by the same user. The headguards illustrated in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are schematically shown toinclude a sensory input and communications system 798.

The exterior surfaces 744, 746, 764, 766, 767 can have non-stick (ornon-slipstick) properties that generally reduces a coefficient offriction of the exterior surface of the head guard. While a variety offriction-reducing treatments or coatings can be used to provide thenon-stick properties, in one example embodiment aPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) treatment is used. Example PTFEtreatments include the Teflon polymer products from DuPont (Teflon® PTFEfluoropolymer) and Chemfab from Saint Gobain. Beneficially, PTFE alsoprovides repellency against oil- and waterbased stains, dust and dryoil. In some embodiments a topical application of a coating or film isused. In other embodiments, a PTFE fiber, such as a Teflon® PTFE fiberfrom DePont) can be integrated into the fabric (such as polyester ornylon) material mix. It is noted that in addition to other benefits, thelower panels 742, 762 can increase the amount of exterior surface areaof the head guard that is treated with the non-stick coating.

Providing an exterior non-stick surface can be beneficial when the userwears the head guard in combination with a helmet. For example, due tothe low coefficient of friction, the helmet will easily slide over topof the head guard when the user is putting on their helmet.Additionally, when the helmet receives an impact, the helmet can rotaterelative to the head guard, perhaps only slightly, but thus resulting inless rotational movement for the wearer's head due to the rotationalforce generated by the impact. It is noted that while head guards 740and 760 are configured to cover the top of a wearer's head, it is to beappreciated that similar configurations can be used for band-like headguards. As such, a band-like head guard can have non-stick propertiesand can also include a lower panel similar to those illustrated in FIG.28-29 .

FIGS. 30-33 illustrate winter headgear incorporating head guards inaccordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, the paddinglayer is discretely incorporated into the winter hat. In other words,the winter hat can have the general appearance to an observer of awinter hat that does not include a padding layer. Each of the examplewinter headgear incorporates a head guard schematically shown to includea sensory input and communications system 898. Referring first to FIG.30 , winter hat 800 is an aviator style hat having insulatingproperties. A padding layer 802 is incorporated into the structure ofthe winter hat 800. The padding layer 802 can be rigid, pliable, or acombination of rigid components and pliable components. The winter hat800 can include chin straps 804 to secure the winter hat 800 to awearer. The winter hat 800 can include a plurality of layers, such as aninner fur-lined layer, a middle padding layer, and an outer fabriclayer. Additional insulating layers can also be used. Winter hat 820shown in FIG. 31 is another style of winter headgear that incorporates ahead guard. The head guard comprises a first padding layer 822 and asecond padding layer 824. The particular material for the first paddinglayer 822 and the second padding layer 824 may differ. For example, arelatively thick padding can be used for first padding layer 822 whilepadding having high insulating properties can be used for second paddinglayer 824 due to its proximity to a wearer's ears. Winter hat 820 haschin straps 826 to allow a user to securely fasten the winter hat 820 totheir head.

FIG. 32 is yet another embodiment showing a winter hat 830 that includesa first padding layer 832 and a second padding layer 834. The firstpadding layer 832 can be in a convex configuration and either be asingle unitary piece or a plurality of components that form thegenerally convex shape. In some embodiments, the first padding layer 832does not form a complete dome, but instead is localized to certainareas, such as the front and the back of the hat, for example. Asillustrated, the second padding layer 834 can be in the headband portion836. The first and second padding layers 832, 834 can be manufacturedfrom the same or different types of materials. For example, the firstpadding layer 832 can be Styrofoam while the second padding layer 834can be an impact gel. Alternatively, both the first and second paddinglayers 832, 834 can both be impact gel. FIG. 33 shows another embodimentof a winter hat 840 that comprises a padding layer 842. As is to beappreciated, the present disclosure is not limited to any particulartype or style of winter hat or winter head gear.

FIG. 34A depicts another embodiment of a winter hat 850 thatincorporates a padding layer 854. FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional view ofthe winter hat 850. The winter hat 850 can comprise a fabric layer 856that is configured to cover a wearer's head. A thermal layer 858 canhave a band-like configuration and be attached to an interior surface ofthe fabric layer to form a pocket 860. A padding layer 854 is positionedin the pocket 860. In some embodiments, the thermal layer 858 is anextension of the fabric layer 856 that is folded and stitched to createa pocket to house the padding layer 854.

Referring to FIGS. 30-34B, the padding layers 802, 822, 824, 832, 834,and 842, 854 can be any suitable type of material, such as, withoutlimitation, one or more of the materials described above with referenceto padding layer 340.

In some embodiments, head guards in accordance with the presentdisclosure can be integrated, incorporated, coupled to, formed with, orotherwise associated with various types of apparel. FIG. 35 illustratesan example embodiment of a hooded sweatshirt 900 that incorporates ahead guard in its hood. The hooded sweatshirt 900 shown in FIG. 35 isfor illustrative purposes only. In fact, the head guard could beincorporated into the hood of any form of apparel, such as a jacket, apull-over sweatshirt, a windbreaker, a winter coat, or any other articleof clothing with a hood. In any event, the hooded sweatshirt 900 has ahood 902 that includes a padding layer 904. The hood 902 can beconstructed using any suitable technique, such as the three layertechnique illustrated in FIG. 22 . The hood 902 can be sized togenerally conform closely to the wearer's head. In some embodiments, thepadding layer 904 comprises a Styrofoam or other semi-rigid core.Drawstrings 906 can be routed through a hem 908 in the hood 902. Bydrawing the drawstrings 906 downward, the hood 902 can be positioned inclose proximity to the wearer's head.

As shown in FIG. 36 , in some embodiments, a plurality of tightening oradjustment features can be used. The hood 920 in FIG. 36 comprises apadding layer 930. A first set of drawstrings 922 are positioned withina first hem 926 of the hood 920 and a second set of drawstrings 924 arepositioned within a second hem 928 of the hood 920. By selectivelydrawing the first and/or second set of drawstrings 922, 924, the hood920 can be tightened around the head of a wearer. As is to beappreciated, other forms of tightening features can be utilized, such ashook-and-loop fasteners, elastic members, cord locks, and so forth.

FIG. 37 illustrates yet another embodiment of a hood 940 incorporating apadded feature. The hood 940 comprises a first padding layer 942 and asecond padding layer 944. The second padding layer 944 is positioned sothat it is generally proximate the wearer's forehead. Drawstrings 946can be selectively drawn to tighten the hood 940 around a wearer's head.The padding layers 904, 930, 942, and 944 can be any suitable type ofmaterial, such as, without limitation, one or more of the materialsdescribed above with reference to padding layer 340. The hoods 902, 920,and 940 are each schematically shown to include a sensory input andcommunications system 998.

In some embodiments, head guards in accordance with the system andmethods described herein can be worn by an athlete external to a helmet.An example head guard that can be worn on the outside of a helmet isillustrated in FIG. 38 . The head guard 1000 can be compressive, orstretchable, such that it can be placed snugly around an outside surface1006 of a football helmet 1004. In some configurations, the position ofthe head guard 1000 can be maintained through the compressivecharacteristics of the head guard 1000. In other embodiments, additionaltechniques can be utilized to attach the head guard to the helmet, suchas adhesives, straps, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, and so forth. Inany event, the head guard 1000 can comprise a padding layer 1002,similar to the other padding layers described herein. The head guard1000 can comprise an inner surface 1008 that is generally slip-resistantthat can aid in maintaining the proper positioning of the head guard1000, even during an impact event. The head guard 1000 can comprise anouter surface 1010 that is a material that has a relatively lowcoefficient of friction that can allow the head guard 1000 (andunderlying helmet) to generally slide across an object during impact,such as another football player. Example materials for outer surface1010 include, without limitation, a polyester and nylon combinationsinclude spandex or elastane. The head guard 1000 can also comprise ports1012 that are positioned to generally align with the helmet port 1014when the head guard 1000 is placed over the helmet 1004. The ports 1012can be configured to generally allow sound to travel through the headguard 1000 so that the athlete's hearing is not affected when the headguard 1000 is positioned on the helmet 1004. As is to be appreciated,the particular design of the ports 1012 can vary in various embodiments.For example, in one embodiment the ports 1012 can comprise a singlelarge port, while in another embodiment the port 1012 can comprise aseries of slots. The head guard 1000 is also schematically shown toinclude a sensory input and communications system 1098.

FIGS. 39-40 show example head guards used in combination with varioustypes of sporting helmets each of which is schematically shown toinclude a sensory input and communications system 1198. FIG. 39 shows ahead guard 1100 coupled to a football helmet 1110. The head guard 1100cab be selectively removable from the helmet 1110 and be manufactured indifferent sizes to accommodate different helmet sizes. The outer surfaceof the head guard 1100 can be clear, a solid color, or a combination ofcolors. The outer surface can also include numbering, letters, words,graphics, and so forth. The head guard 1100 can also comprise one ormore padded ridges or other areas of increased padding. In theillustrated embodiment, the head guard 1100 comprises a top ridge 1102,a rear ridge 1104, and side ridges 1106. These ridges can be unitary, orotherwise integral, with the head guard 1100 and can be manufacturedfrom any suitable materials, such as foam, impact gel, Styrofoam, or anyother suitable impact absorbing or dissipating materials. It is to beappreciated, that the head guards disclosed herein can be used orconfigured to be worn on the outside of a variety of helmet types. FIG.40 , for example, shows a head guard 1120 positioned over top of ahockey helmet 1124. The head guard 1120 comprises vents 1122 that canalign with vents in the hockey helmet 1124. In some embodiments, thehead guard 1120 can also include padded ridges, or other areas ofincreased thickness or density.

FIG. 41 shows an example cross-sectional view of a head guard 1200 thatcan be positioned on the outside of a sporting helmet. The head guard1200 comprises three layers, including an outer layer 1202, a paddinglayer 1204, and an inner layer 1206. In some embodiments, fewer oradditional layers can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the headguard 1200 also comprises ridges 1208. As discussed above, the innerlayer 1206 can have a relatively high coefficient of friction, such thatit has a tendency to adhere to or grip the outside surface of anassociated helmet. The padding layer 1202 can comprise any suitablematerials, including the variety of materials described above. The outerlayer 1202 can have a relatively low coefficient of friction as comparedto the inner layer 1206. Depending on the associated sporting event, theouter layer 1202 may be in contact with various objects, such as otherplayer's jerseys, helmets, and so forth. With the outer layer 1202having a relatively low coefficient of friction, during those impactevents, the head guard 1200 can behave similarly to the outer surface1006 (FIG. 36 ) of the underlying helmet. The head guard 1200 (with orwithout the ridges 1208) can be used in combination of a wide variety ofhelmet types, including, without limitation, baseball, hockey,bicycling, and skateboarding, for example.

FIG. 42 is an exploded view of a head guard 1310 in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment. FIG. 43 depicts the head guard 1310 of FIG. 42fully assembled. The head guard 1310 can have a cover system 1312 thatcan be selectively attached to a base unit 1314. The cover system 1312can be selectively attachable to the base unit 1314 such that some orall of a sensory input and communications system 1398 can be accessed,and in some cases, removed. In the illustrated example, the sensoryinput and communications system 1398 is depicted as including aplurality of sensors 1320. The sensors 1320 can be any suitable sensortype, as described in more detail below. The sensors 1320 can be incommunication with a microcontroller 1322 via a sensor bus 1324. In someembodiments, one or more sensors 1320 can communicate with themicrocontroller 1322 via wireless communication. The base unit 1314 candefine a plurality of bores, recesses, connectors, clips, pads, or otherreceiving units (schematically shown as sensor ports 1316). In theillustrated embodiments, at least some of the sensory input andcommunications system 1398 can be inserted into the sensor ports 1316and the cover system 1312 attached to the base unit 1314 (as shown inFIG. 43 ). In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners 1340 on the coversystem 1312 are configured to attach to fasteners 1342 on the base unit1314. Examples of fasteners 1340 and 1342 can include, withoutlimitation, hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, snaps, buttons,and clasps. In some embodiments, some or all the sensory input andcommunications system 1398 can be separated from the base unit 1314 andthe cover system 1322 so that they can be washed or sterilized, forexample. Additionally, different sensory input and communicationssystems 1398 can be connected to the head guard 1310, such as to providedifferent sensors arrays, for example. Furthermore, while FIGS. 42-43generally depict a domed-shaped head guard, it is to be readilyappreciated that a similar cover system can be used with head guardshaving different form factors (i.e., headband configurations) withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 44A shows a side view of an example head guard 1410 that includessensors 1420. The sensors 1420 can be a component of a sensory input andcommunications system, as described herein. FIG. 44B shows across-sectional view of FIG. 44A taking along line 44B-44B. Similar toFIG. 17B, for example, the head guard 1410 is shown having an innerlayer 1460, an outer layer 1430 and a padding layer 1440. In thisembodiment, the sensors 1420 are placed between the inner layer 1460 andthe outer layer 1430. In other embodiments, however, the placementlocation can vary. FIG. 44C depicts a sensor 1420 attached to the outersurface of the outer layer 1430. FIG. 44D depicts a sensor 1420 integralwith (e.g., embedded) into the outer layer 1430. FIG. 44E depicts asensor 1420 integral with (e.g., embedded) into the inner layer 1460.FIG. 44F depicts a sensor 1420 attached to the inner surface of theinner layer 1460.

Referring now to FIG. 45 , which depicts an example system diagramcomprising a head guard 1510 in communication with a mobilecommunication device 1520 via one or more communications networks 1550A.In some embodiments, the head guard 1510 and/or the mobile communicationdevice 1520 can be in communication with a centralized activitymonitoring computing system 1530 via one or more communications networks1550B. The centralized activity monitoring computing system 1530 can beprovided using any suitable processor-based device or system, such as apersonal computer, laptop, server, mainframe, other processor-baseddevice, or a collection (e.g. network) of multiple computers, forexample. In some embodiments, the centralized activity monitoringcomputing system 1530 can generally be a cloud-based service availableto a plurality of users through various communication networks.

The centralized activity monitoring computing system 1530 can includeone or more processors and one or more memory units. For convenience,only one processor 1522 and only one memory unit 1524 are shown in FIG.45 . The processor 1522 can execute software instructions stored on thememory unit 1524. The processor 1522 can be implemented as an integratedcircuit (IC) having one or multiple cores. The memory unit 1524 caninclude volatile and/or non-volatile memory units. Volatile memory unitscan include random access memory (RAM), for example. Non-volatile memoryunits can include read-only memory (ROM) as well as mechanicalnon-volatile memory systems, such as a hard disk drive, optical diskdrive, or other non-volatile memory. The RAM and/or ROM memory units canbe implemented as discrete memory ICs.

When the processor 1522 of the centralized activity monitoring computingsystem 1530 executes the software instructions of the memory unit 1524,the processor 1522 can be caused to perform the various operations ofthe centralized activity monitoring computing system 1530. The variousoperations of the centralized activity monitoring computing system 1530can include, but are not limited to, the following: create and maintainuser accounts; receive activity data from one or more head guards;receive activity data from one or more mobile communication devices;data analytics; reporting; trend analysis; visualize data; as well asperform other operations as discussed in more detail below.

The activity monitoring computing system 1530 can use data from varioussources, including, but not limited to, one or more databases 1526. Thedata stored in the databases 1526 can be stored in a non-volatilecomputer memory, such as a hard disk drive, read only memory (e.g. a ROMIC), or other types of non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, one ormore of the databases 1526 can be stored on a remote electronic computersystem and can be accessed by the activity monitoring computing system1530 via the communications network 1550B. As one having ordinary skillin the art would appreciate, a variety of other databases or other typesof memory storage structures can be utilized or otherwise associatedwith the activity monitoring computing system 1530.

Also shown in FIG. 45 , the activity monitoring computing system 1530can include one or more computer servers, which can include one or moreweb servers, one or more application servers, and/or one or more othertypes of servers. For convenience, only one web server 1544 and oneapplication server 1546 are depicted in FIG. 45 , although one havingordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the disclosure is not solimited. The servers 1544, 1546 can allow content to be sent or receivedfrom one or more mobile communication devices 1520, as described in moredetail below, via the communication network 1550B in any of a number offormats, which can include, but are not limited to, text-based messages,multimedia messages, email messages, smart phone notifications, webpages, and other message formats. The servers 1544, 1530 can becomprised of processors (e.g. CPUs), memory units (e.g. RAM, ROM),non-volatile storage systems (e.g. hard disk drive systems), and otherelements. The servers 1544, 1546 may utilize one or more operatingsystems including, but not limited to, Solaris, Linux, Windows Server,or other server operating systems.

In some embodiments, the web server 1544 can provide a graphical webuser interface through which various users can interact with theactivity monitoring computing system 1530. The graphical web userinterface can also be referred to as a graphical user interface, clientportal, client interface, graphical client interface, and so forth. Theweb server 1544 can accept requests, such as HTTP requests, from variousentities, including but not limited to first entities, second entities,and third entities, and serve responses to those entities, such as HTTPresponses, along with optional data content, such as web pages (e.g.HTML documents) and linked objects (such as images, video, and soforth). The application server 1546 can provide a user interface forusers who do not communicate with the activity monitoring computingsystem 1530 using a web browser. Such users can have special softwareinstalled on their communication devices 1520 to allow the user tocommunicate with the application server 1546 via the communicationnetwork 1550B.

The activity monitoring computing system 1530 can be in communicationwith a plurality of mobile communication devices via the communicationsnetwork 1550B. For convenience, only one mobile communication device1520 is schematically depicted in FIG. 45 . The network 1550B can be anelectronic communications network and can include, but is not limitedto, the Internet, LANs, WANs, GPRS networks, other networks, orcombinations thereof. The network 1550B can include wired, wireless,fiber optic, other connections, or combinations thereof. In general, thecommunications network 1550B can be any combination of connections andprotocols that will support communications between the activitymonitoring computing system 1530 and the mobile communication device1520.

As shown by the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 45 , a head guard 1510 canbe associated with (e.g., electronically linked in a wirelesscommunication arrangement) a mobile communication device 1520. Themobile communication device 1520 can be any type of computer devicesuitable for communication over a network. The mobile communicationdevice 1520 can be any of, for example, a laptop computer (which alsoincludes a netbook or other portable computing device), a desktopcomputer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), asmartphone (combination telephone and handheld computer), or othersuitable mobile communications device (such as a networked gamingdevice, a media player, for example). In some embodiments, the mobilecommunication device 1520 can be a wearable computing device. Examplesof wearable computing devices include devices that incorporate anaugmented reality head-mounted display as well as other computingdevices that can be worn on the body of the user, such as worn on thewrist.

In some embodiments, a user of the mobile communication device 1520(such as a parent, athlete, coach, trainer, etc.) can install specialsoftware on the mobile communication device 1520 to allow the user tocommunicate with the application server 1546 via the communicationnetwork 1550B. The software for the mobile communication device 1520 canbe downloaded to the communication device via the communication network1550B or installed through other techniques known in the art. In someembodiments, the software may be downloaded from the activity monitoringcomputing system 1530. In some embodiments, the software can be an appthat is available from the Apple™ iStore™, or another app store, fordownloading onto and executing on an Apple™, iPhone™, or iPad™.

In some embodiments, the mobile communication device 1520 can provide avariety of applications for allowing the user to accomplish one or morespecific tasks. Applications can include, for example, a web browserapplication (e.g. INTERNET EXPLORER, MOZILLA, FIREFOX, SAFARI, OPERA,GOOGLE CHROME, and others), telephone application (e.g. cellular, VoIP,PTT, or other), networking application, messaging application (e.g.e-mail, IM, SMS, MMS, BLACKBERRY Messenger, and others), and so forth.The mobile communication device 1520 can include various softwareprograms such as system programs and applications to provide computingcapabilities in accordance with the described embodiments. Systemprograms can include, but are not limited to, an operating system (OS),device drivers, programming tools, utility programs, software libraries,application programming interfaces (APIs), and so forth. Exemplaryoperating systems can include, for example, a PALM OS, MICROSOFTWINDOWS, OS X, iOS, ANDROID OS, UNIX OS, LINUX OS, SYMBIAN OS, EMBEDIXOS, Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless (BREW) OS, Java OS, aWireless Application Protocol (WAP) OS, and others. The mobilecommunication device 1520 can also include one or more communicationsunits 1514 for communicating data using various network protocols. Forexample, the mobile communications device 1520 can be electronicallylinked to the head guard 1510 through a BLUETOOTH linkage, or other nearfield communication (NFC) protocol, using the communications network1550A for contactless data transmission. Such data transmission canoccur in substantially real-time if the head guard 1510 is within rangeof the mobile communication device 1520. In some embodiments, the headguard 1510 can locally collect data and once wireless communication isestablished with the mobile communication device 1520, the head guard1510 can transmit the collected data. Furthermore, in some cases,certain types of high priority data are provided by the head guard 1510in substantially real-time, while other types of lower priority data areprovided by the head guard 1510 subsequent to data collection.

The mobile communication device 1520 can include various components forinteracting with the head guard 1510 and/or the activity monitoringcomputing system 1530, such as a display or a keypad/keyboard forinputting data and/or commands. The mobile communication device 1520 caninclude other components for use with one or more applications such as astylus, a touch-sensitive screen, keys (e.g. input keys, present andprogrammable hot keys), buttons (e.g. action buttons, amulti-directional navigations button, preset and programmable shortcutbuttons), switches, a microphone, camera, speakers, an audio headset,and so forth. Such components are schematically depicts as outputdevices 1516 and input devices 1518. The mobile communications device1520 can also include one or more processors and one or more memoryunits. For convenience, only one processor 1522 and only one memory unit1532 are shown in FIG. 45 . The processor 1522 can execute softwareinstructions stored on the memory unit 1524. The memory unit 1525 canstore instructions for a head guard monitoring engine 1532, as describedin more detail below.

The head guard 1510 can be any suitable style, design, or configurationof head guard, such as, without limitation, any of the head guardsdepicted in FIGS. 1-41 , above. The head guard 1510 can include asensory input and communications system 1598, as schematically depictedin FIG. 45 . The sensory input and communications system 1598 caninclude, for example, sensors 1560 (schematically shown as 1560A, 1560B. . . 1560N). The particular type of sensors 1560 and the particularnumber of sensors 1560 used for a particular head guard can vary. Insome embodiments, example sensor types include, but are not limited to,accelerometer sensors, thermometers, imaging sensors, GPS sensors,acoustic sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors,cameras, and others. The sensors 1560, or portions thereof, can be rigidor flexible. The sensors 1560 can assist with collecting data associatedwith any of the following: hit count (number of hits), impact location,impact duration, impact direction, impact reduced by impact absorptiontechnology, and so forth. Some or all of the sensors can be low-profile.In some embodiments, the sensors 1560, or portions thereof, areencapsulated, sealed, or otherwise coated to provide water resistance orto make the sensors water proof. Such encapsulation can also aid inimpact resistance and increase durability. In some embodiments, pocketsor portions of the head guard 1510 receiving the sensors 1560 are sealedor sealable to prevent moisture penetration. Various sensors 1560 can becoupled (either permanently or temporarily) to the head guard 1510 usingany suitable technique. The sensor 1560 can be individual sensors ormulti-metric sensor capable of providing multiple metrics from a singlecomponent. The sensory input and communications system 1598 can executediagnostic routines to confirm the operability of the various sensors1560, with alerts generated with a potential issue is detected.

As illustrated, the head guard 1510 can include multiple sensors toassist with the collection of accurate data. Utilizing a plurality ofsensors can facilitate impact validation and reconcile possible gaps indata collection. For instance, data received from one or moreaccelerometer sensors can be reconciled with data received from one orother sensor types. Based on multiple data points and informationcollected from different sensing capabilities, the software will be ableto formulate an animated 3D visual of the exact area of the hit in thehead.

In some embodiments, one or more temperature sensors, or other datasources can be utilized to monitor or otherwise receive informationregarding the ambient temperature, precipitation, and/or other weatherconditions in which the wearer of the head guard 1510 is experiencing.For instance, one or more sensors 1560 of the head guard 1510 can sensethe ambient temperature information and provide such information to themobile communications device 1520, either for local processing or fordelivery to the activity monitoring computing system 1530. Additionallyor alternatively, the mobile communications device 1520 can utilize aweather software application executing on the mobile communicationsdevice 1520, or other technique for data retrieval (i.e., API calls to aweather data feed) to receive the current temperature and/or otheratmospheric conditions (precipitation, visibility, wind, etc.).Furthermore, the activity monitoring computing system 1530 can ascertainthe weather conditions associated with the head guard 1510, such asthrough obtaining weather conditions for the geographic location inwhich the head guard 1510 is being used based on GPS coordinates, orotherwise. For instance, the head guard 1510 can be registered to aplayer in a particular geographic region so the activity monitoringcomputing system 1530 can poll a weather data source for weather-relateddata for that geographic region. The weather condition data can be usedby the mobile communications device 1520 and/or the activity monitoringcomputing system 1530 for any suitable processing function. Forinstance, the weather condition data can be used as additional input forassessing effect of impacts or other types of monitored events,especially if certain types of injuries may be more prevalent in certainweather conditions. This data can be used, for example, to examine ordetermine potential correlations between monitored events and weatherconditions, weather patterns, or other weather-related information thatthe wearer was experiencing at the time of the monitored event (i.e.,heat exhaustion, injury, or otherwise).

The sensory input and communications system 1598 can also include apower source 1562, which can be, for example, a battery, a solar-energysource, any other suitable power supply. The power source 1562 can alsoleverage power harvesting techniques such as body heat, solar power,kinetic energy derived from sports activities, etc. to generate power tooperate the sensory input and communications system 1598. In someembodiments, the power source 1562 can be wirelessly rechargeable, withelectromagnetic fields of a charging unit transferring power from thecharging unit to the power source 1562.

The sensory input and communications system 1598 can also include amicrocontroller 1564 for receiving outputs from the sensors 1560A, 1560B. . . 1560B. The microcontroller 1564 can be in communication with acommunication unit 1566, which can be, for example, a BLUETOOTHcommunications module. The communication unit 1566 can include any typeof transmitter, transceiver, and/or antenna to enable suitablecommunication. In some embodiments the communication unit 1566 canoperate utilizing one or more communication protocols, such as LTE,Wi-Fi, radio frequency, and so forth. In some cases, signal strength anddata traffic is considered to determine which communication to useduring a particular sporting event. The antenna(s) of the communicationunit 156 can be multi-band to support one or more of followingfrequencies: Bluetooth wireless technology: 400 MHZ: 400-450, 600 MHz:608-614, 900 MHZ: 950-956, ZigBee 902-928 MHZ, ZigBee: 2400-2483.5 MHZ,UWB: 3168-10560 MHZ, NFC: 13.56 MHZ, Global Navigation SatelliteSystems: GPS 1565-1585 MHZ, DVB-H: 1670-1675 MHz, WiMax: 2300-3800 MHZ,GSM/UMTS: 850-2170 MHZ single and multi-band, LTE: 700-3700 MHZ multiband, 4900-5875 MHZ. Furthermore, various components of thecommunication unit 1566, such as an antenna, can be made through laserdirect structuring, molded interconnected devices, and othertechnologies for 3D antenna. The antenna can also be an energyharvesting antenna that converts various electromagnetic fields toenergy that can be utilized by the power source 1562. In someembodiments, the sensors 1560A, 1560B . . . 1560N themselves cancommunicate directly with the mobile communications device 1520.Furthermore, a variety of communication techniques can be used, such as900 MHz wireless transmissions.

The sensory input and communications system 1598 can also include alocal indicator 1580 that provides one or more indications when certainevents are detected. For instance, local indicator 1580 can be a visualand/or audio device that is activated by the microcontroller 1564 whenan impact event of a predefined magnitude is detected. Such localindicator 1580 can therefore provide the wearer, a referee, or otherobserver an indication that a certain type of event has been detected.In some embodiments, the output of the local indicator 1580 can varydepending on impact, or other factors. For instance, an impact at afirst level may cause the local indicator 1580 to illuminate yellowand/or flash slowly while a much greater impact may cause the localindicator 1580 to illuminate red and/or quickly, and so forth. Theoutput of the local indicator 1580 can be specific or customized to theathlete such that specific thresholds for impact, per sport, per agegroup, per gender can be implemented.

Further, while the local indicator 1580 is depicted as being incommunication with the microcontroller 1564, this disclosure is not solimited. In some embodiments, alternative to amicrocontroller-controlled local indicator or in addition to amicrocontroller-controlled local indicator, the local indicator 1580 ofthe head guard 1510 can be a non-powered indicator that providesreal-time impact visualization. For instance, the local indicator 1580can be a color changing gel that changes color with impact (throughheat); as heat is generated byproduct of an impact. The severity orlevel of impact can generate different colors to indicate impactseverity (Green/Yellow/Red). Example gels include thermochromic gels,and other color changing gels that are impact activated. The gels canreset momentarily, returning to its original color and will activateagain upon impact. This type of local indicator 1580 can be placed infront, side or back of the headgear and be viewable through a viewingport on the head guard 1510, for example.

FIG. 46 depicts an example user interface 1568 that can be provided on adisplay of the mobile communications device 1520 depicted in FIG. 45 .Referring now to FIGS. 45-46 , an exemplary non-limiting operationalexample will now be described. The head guard 1510 can be placed on thehead of an athlete. The head guard 1510 can be linked to the mobilecommunications device 1520 through any suitable communications protocolusing the network 1550A (such as a personal area network (PAN)). In someembodiments, a user of the mobile communications device 1520 can providewearer data 1570, such as weight, height, age, activity, and so forth.Such data can be used to determine various performance/monitoringmetrics, such as impact thresholds or ranges. Such metrics can be storedlocally on the mobile communications device 1520 or retrieved from thecentralized activity monitoring computing system 1530. In someembodiments, one or more algorithms can be used to determine theindividual impact and temperature thresholds to determine risk levelsfor head trauma, and heat stroke, and other diagnostic based on capturedor inputted athlete data (e.g., athlete's weight, age, height, andsport). The user interface 1568 can also indicate that the head guard iscurrently being monitored at status indicator 1572. Additionalinformation 1574 can also be tracked and/or provided through the userinterface 1568. The data can be information that was collected by one ormore of the sensors 1560A, 1560B . . . 1560N, provided to themicrocontroller 1564, and subsequently transmitted to the mobilecommunications device 1520. The data can be visualized by the userinterface 1568, and in some cases, trends can be identified ordetermined. Such data can include, without limitation, duration ofactivity, distance traveled, temperature, brain activity, heart rate,respiration, impact events (location, magnitude), head rotation, sweatrate, images (still images, video), speed, and so forth. Visualizationof the data can also include reconstruction of various impact eventsbased on data collected from multiple sensors for one or more headguards involved with the event. For instance, 3-D modeling can beutilized to visually depict impact events for one or more head guardscollecting data during the event. In some embodiments, if certain eventthresholds are met, various alerts or notices can be provided to theuser interface 1568 or sent to other recipient devices via other means(e.g., as email account, text messages, social media messages, instantmessages). Such event thresholds can be based on, for example, impactsreceived, length of activity, temperature, distance traveled, and soforth. The alert or notice can be, for example, a graphical notice, anauditory notice, or combination of both.

FIG. 47 depicts another system diagram of an example activity monitoringcomputing system 1630. The activity monitoring computing system 1630 canbe in direct or indirect communication with a plurality of head guards1610A, 1610B . . . 1610N through a communication network 1650. Each ofthe head guards 1610A, 1610B . . . 1610N can be electronically linked,such as through a personal area network (PAN), to a respectively linkedportable electronic device 1620A, 1620B . . . 1620N. In one embodiment,each of the linked portable electronic devices 1620A, 1620B . . . 1620Nis configured to provide various information to the activity monitoringcomputing system 1630 for data collection and subsequent processing bythe activity monitoring computing system 1630. Such data can betransmitted in real-time, substantially real time, periodically, orbased on a request from the activity monitoring computing system 1630.In some embodiments, all of the data collected by the sensor input andcommunications systems 1698A, 1698B . . . 1698N of each of the headguards 1610A, 1610B . . . 1610C can be provided to the activitymonitoring computing system 1630. In other embodiments, a subset of thecollected data can be provided. The activity monitoring computing system1630 can include, similar to FIG. 45 , a processor 1644, an app server1646, a web server 1644, and various databases 1626, 1627, 1628. Theactivity monitoring computing system 1630 can also include a memory unit1624 that can store instructions for various engines, such as areporting engine 1670 and an analytics engine 1672. The activitymonitoring computing system 1630 can, for example, provide aggregatereporting based on data received from a plurality of head guards 1610A,1610B . . . 1610N. While the aggregate reporting can vary, example typesof reports can include impacts levels per sport for a particular agegroup, activity levels per age group in a particular geographic area,and so forth. Additionally, the activity monitoring computing system1630 and/or the linked portable electronic device 1620A, 1620B . . .1620N can track and store data for individual athletes or groups ofathletes (e.g., teams).

FIG. 48 schematically depicts a first head guard 1710A and a second headguard 1710B impacting during an athletic endeavor, with the impact beingdepicted as impact event 1700. While two head guards are depicted inFIG. 48 , it is to be appreciated that various impact events 1700 caninvolve more than two head guards. As a result of the impact event 1700,sensors associated with a sensory input and communication system 1798Aof the first head guard 1710A and sensors associated with a sensoryinput and communication system 1798B of the second head guard 1710B willgenerate various types of data. The data can be provided to the linkedportable electronic devices 1720A and 1720B, respectively. In someembodiments, various data can also be exchanged between the first headguard 1710A and the second head guard 1710B via a datalink 1702. Usingdata received from each of the sensory input and communication systems1798A and 1798B, an activity monitoring computing system 1730 canprovide appropriate correlation of the hits in regards to other player.For example if two players collide head on, the impact to both playerswould be assessed from a variety of metrics including each of theplayers speed/acceleration before impact, based on the data collected bytheir respective head guards 1710A and 1710B. The profile of each player(i.e., height, weight, etc.) can also assist with creating a fullpicture of data collected during the impact event 1700. Thus, theactivity monitoring computing system 1730 can track the impact receivedto the first head guard 1710A and detect that the athlete wearing thehead guard 1710B delivered the impact. The wearer data (i.e. wearer data570 shown in FIG. 46 ) of that athlete can be used by the activitymonitoring computing system 1730 for processing.

Example data that can be tracked, stored, or otherwise processed by headguards in accordance with the present disclosure includes, withoutlimitation, active minutes, top speed, impacts received, location ofimpacts, severity of impacts, average temperature, etc. Such data can becollected, gathered or presented over certain time frames, such as overa season, over a career, over a school year, over a tournament, over agame, and so forth. In some embodiments, the data collected can bereviewed and processed in the aggregate (e.g., using ‘big data’approaches), and in other embodiments relatively small subsets of thedata can be used for processing and review. In some embodiments,artificial intelligence, neural networks, or other types of learningnetworks can mine data collected from a plurality of head guards, aswell as other sources, to extrapolate various information or datasets.In some embodiments, object tracking of the video data collected fromthe head guard (or from other source(s)) can be used in combination withdata and metrics received from onboard sensors of one or more headguards. Using machine learning, or other computing platforms, variousdata regarding impact, acceleration/deceleration, mass, direction ofindividual and team players, and location of players can be correlatedto various events (i.e., impact events) across a plurality of datasets.

Head guards in accordance with the presently disclosed embodiments maybe manufactured using a variety of manufacturing techniques, such asultrasonic welding, stitching, gluing, and/or quilting, for example.Stitching can be used to couple an interior fabric layer to an externalfabric layer to create a pocket to house the padding layer. In someembodiments, double needle stitching is utilized to attach variouscomponents of the head guard. With a double stitching technique, twinneedles create parallel double stitching using two needles mounted in aplastic holder. A standard needle shank is added to the plastic holderso it can be inserted in the needle holder on the sewing machine. Oneneedle can be shorter than the other so that a bobbin can catch bothstitches. The head guards can be manufactured in different sizes so thatthey can accommodate both children head sizes and adult head sizes.

The head guards disclosed herein can be used in a wide variety ofendeavors, either as standalone units or in combination with existingprotective gear, including both activities involving contact andnon-contacting activities. Example applications include, withoutlimitation, mixed martial arts, boxing, paintball, lacrosse,racquetball, water polo, ice skating, roller skating, water skiing, windsurfing, surfing, wrestling, rock climbing, ice hockey, roller hockey,basketball, soccer, wrestling masks, motocross, auto racing, cricket,BMX racing, parkour, and volleyball. Additional applications caninclude, without limitation, rodeo (for both riders and clowns), track &field events, cross-country running, hang gliding, bobsledding, andluge, for example. Other applications for the head guards describedherein include, for example, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, rugby,polo, equestrian sports, martial arts, and base jumping. In someembodiments, the head guard may be worn as a component under theathlete's helmet. In some embodiments, the head guard may beincorporated into the athlete's apparel. In some embodiments, the headguard can be worn over top of a sporting helmet. In some embodiments,the head guard can be worn without a helmet.

When a head guard is worn under a helmet (such as a football helmet,hockey helmet, bicycle helmet, and the like), an impact delivered to thewearer's head may be reduced as compared to receiving the impact whenwearing the rigid helmet without a head guard. When tested in generalaccordance with to the National Operating Committee of Standards forAthletic Equipment (NOCSAE) Documner (ND) 002-11m12, a head guard wornin combination with various types of football helmets can dissipate animpact force applied to the helmet as measured by severity index. Forexample, a severity index of an impact to a helmet can be higher thanthe severity index of the same impact delivered to the rigid helmet wornin combination with a head guard. Such impact dissipation can also occurwhen worn in combination with other helmets, such as lacrosse helmets,hockey helmets, and batting helmets in accordance with ND 041-11m12, ND030-11m12, and ND 022-10m12, respectively. Such impact dissipation canalso occur when worn in combination with other types of helmets, such asski helmets, for example. As described herein, head guards in accordancewith the present disclosure do not necessarily have to be worn incombination with a helmet. For such uses, an impact delivered to thewearer's head while wearing a head guard may be reduced as compared toreceiving the impact when not wearing a head guard. Moreover, headguards in accordance with the present disclosure do not necessarily haveto be worn with rigid helmets but can be worn in connection withbaseball hats or other types of non-rigid hats. For such uses, an impactdelivered to the wearer's head may be reduced as compared to receivingthe impact when wearing the non-rigid hat without a head guard.

The particular combination of materials for the various layers of headguards manufactured in accordance with the systems and methods describedherein can vary. Below are some non-limiting examples of materialcombinations. As is to be readily appreciated, other combinations areenvisioned and are within the scope of the present disclosure. For somehead guards, one or more layers can comprise about 80-90% polyester orNylon and about 10-20% spandex or Elastene. In one embodiment, one ormore layers can comprise about 86% polyester and about 14% spandex. Oneor more layers can also be a mesh-type material for increasedbreathability and ventilation. The layers of the head guard can havevarious fabric weights. In some embodiments, the fabric weight of anouter or inner lay can be in the range of about 5 to about 12 ounces,for example.

In some embodiments, one or more of the fabric layers can comprise about60% polyester and about 40% cotton. In one embodiment, one or morefabric layers can comprise about 100% cotton. In one embodiment, one ormore fabric layers can comprise about 80% polyester and about 20%spandex. In one embodiment, one or more fabric layers can comprise about90% polyester and about 10% Spandex. In one embodiment, one or morefabric layers can comprise about 86% polyester and about 14% Spandex. Insome embodiments, one or more fabric layers can comprise about 100%acrylic. In one embodiment, one or more layers can comprise about 85%acrylic and about 15% nylon.

In some embodiments, one or more fabric layers can comprise about 100%cotton. In one embodiment, one or more fabric layers can comprise about80% cotton and about 20% polyester. Furthermore, various head guards canbe manufactured from colored materials, dyed particular colors, ormanufactured with glow in the dark and/or reflective materials.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component may bereplaced by multiple components and multiple components may be replacedby a single component to perform a given function or functions. Exceptwhere such substitution would not be operative, such substitution iswithin the intended scope of the embodiments. While various embodimentshave been described herein, it should be apparent that variousmodifications, alterations, and adaptations to those embodiments mayoccur to persons skilled in the art with attainment of at least some ofthe advantages. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended toinclude all such modifications, alterations, and adaptations withoutdeparting from the scope of the embodiments as set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data collection system, comprising a head guardcomprising: a sidewall, wherein the sidewall defines a circular openingfor a head of a wearer; and a sensory input and communications system,wherein at least a portion of the sensory input and communicationssystem is positioned proximate to the sidewall, the sensory input andcommunications systems comprises: a microcontroller, one or more sensorsthat are each in communication with the microcontroller and coupled tothe sidewall, a communications unit, and an impact indicator, whereinthe impact indicator comprises a thermochromic gel having an initialcolor, wherein the thermochromic gel changes from the initial color to afirst color in response to an impact to the impact indicator at a firstimpact level and wherein the thermochromic gel changes from the initialcolor to a second color in response to an impact to the impact indicatorat a second impact level; and an activity monitoring computing system towirelessly receive data collected by the head guard, the activitymonitoring computing system comprising at least one processor andnon-transitory computer readable medium having instructions storedthereon which when executed by a processor cause the processor to: forthe data received from the head guard, generate data reporting.
 2. Thedata collection system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of headguards, wherein one of the plurality of head guards is a first headguard and another of the plurality of head guards is a second headguard, and wherein subsequent to an impact event between the first headguard and the second head guard detected by the activity monitoringcomputing system, the processor is to generate an impact report.
 3. Thedata collection system of claim 1, wherein the communications unit isconfigured to wirelessly transmit sensor data to an associated mobilecommunications device.
 4. The data collection system of claim 3, whereinthe activity monitoring computing system is to wirelessly receive sensordata from the associated mobile communications device.
 5. The datacollection system of claim 3, wherein the head guard is associated withthe mobile communications device.
 6. The data collection system of claim1, further comprising a removable cover system selectably attachable tothe sidewall, wherein the removable cover system has an inner surfaceand an outer surface, wherein a portion of the inner surface of theremovable cover system is attachable to a portion of the sidewall tomaintain the position of the removable cover system relative to thesidewall.
 7. The data collection system of claim 1, wherein the one ormore sensors comprises one or more of an acceleration sensor, a heatsensor, and an impact sensor.
 8. The data collection system of claim 1,wherein the communications unit is to transmit data collected by thesensor to a remote computing device.
 9. The data collection system ofclaim 8, wherein the remote computing device is any of a mobilecommunications device, the activity monitoring computing system, andanother head guard.
 10. The data collection system of claim 8, whereinthe data transmitted to the remote computing device comprises datacollected during an impact event of the head guard.
 11. The datacollection system of claim 8, wherein the communications unit wirelesslytransmits data to the remote computing device in substantiallyreal-time.
 12. The data collection system of claim 1, wherein the one ormore sensors are water resistant.
 13. The data collection system ofclaim 1, wherein the communications unit comprises one or more antennasfor data transmission over one or more of an long term evolution (LTE)network, a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetooth network, a ZigBee network, and aradio frequency network.
 14. A data collection system, comprising aplurality of head guards, wherein each of the plurality of head guardscomprises: a sidewall, wherein the sidewall defines a circular openingfor a head of a wearer, and a sensory input and communications system,wherein at least a portion of the sensory input and communicationssystem is positioned proximate to the sidewall, the sensory input andcommunications systems comprises: a microcontroller, a sensor coupled tothe sidewall, wherein the sensor is in communication with themicrocontroller, a communications unit, and an impact indicator, whereinthe indicator comprises a thermochromic gel having an initial color,wherein the thermochromic gel changes from the initial color to a firstcolor in response to an impact to the impact indicator at a first impactlevel and wherein the thermochromic gel changes from the initial colorto a second color in response to an impact to the impact indicator at asecond impact level; and an activity monitoring computing system towirelessly receive data collected by each of the plurality of headguards, the activity monitoring computing system comprising at least oneprocessor.
 15. The data collection system of claim 14, wherein theplurality of head guards comprises a first head guard and a second headguard, and wherein subsequent to an impact event detected by theactivity monitoring computing system, the processor is to generate animpact report.
 16. The data collection system of claim 14, wherein eachof the communications unit is configured to wirelessly transmit sensordata to an associated mobile communications device.
 17. The datacollection system of claim 16, wherein the activity monitoring computingsystem is to wirelessly receive sensor data from the associated mobilecommunications device.
 18. The data collection system of claim 16,wherein the plurality of head guards are each associated with the mobilecommunications device.
 19. A head guard, comprising a sidewall, whereinthe sidewall defines a circular opening for a head of a wearer; and asensory input and communications system, wherein at least a portion ofthe sensory input and communications system is positioned proximate tothe sidewall, the sensory input and communications systems comprises: amicrocontroller, one or more sensors that are each in communication withthe microcontroller and coupled to the sidewall, a communications unit,and an impact indicator, wherein the impact indicator comprises athermochromic gel having an initial color, wherein the thermochromic gelchanges from the initial color to a first color in response to an impactto the impact indicator at a first impact level and wherein thethermochromic gel changes from the initial color to a second color inresponse to an impact to the impact indicator at a second impact level.20. The head guard of claim 19, wherein the communications unitcomprises one or more antennas for data transmission over one or more ofan long term evolution (LTE) network, a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetoothnetwork, a ZigBee network, and a radio frequency network.